The Royal Australian Air Force has validated long-range strike capabilities for its F/A-18F Super Hornet and P-8A Poseidon fleets through successful integration of advanced air-launched missiles. Initial operational capability was declared for the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile and AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range on Super Hornets. These systems enable precise maritime strikes beyond 370 kilometres and land attacks reaching 900 kilometres, significantly enhancing RAAF deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. Operational testing confirmed weapons preparation, loading, targeting, and engagements from the F/A-18F platform.
Two LRASM missiles were fired at the Point Mugu Sea Range in February 2025, followed by JASSM-ER launches at the Woomera Test Range later that year. The P-8A Poseidon further demonstrated this capability during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 26 by launching an LRASM that successfully struck its designated target. This expansion of maritime strike options across both fighter and patrol aircraft strengthens Australia’s ability to hold high-value naval and land assets at risk from safer standoff distances. Coordination among the Royal Australian Air Force, Defence Delivery Group and industry partners proved essential to achieving these milestones.
These validated long-range strike capabilities for F/A-18F and P-8A aircraft support the National Defence Strategy by delivering survivable, lethal effects against well-defended targets. The AGM-158 family of missiles provides semi-autonomous precision guidance, allowing crews to engage threats while remaining outside most adversary air defence envelopes. Integration across Super Hornet and Poseidon platforms creates a more flexible and resilient force structure capable of persistent maritime domain awareness and rapid response. Continued upgrades will ensure these assets remain interoperable with allied forces operating in contested environments.
RAAF long-range strike validation on F/A-18F Super Hornets and P-8A Poseidons marks a decisive step in modernising Australian airpower. The combination of extended-range anti-ship and land-attack missiles increases operational reach and lethality, reinforcing regional security and deterrence-by-denial objectives. Future enhancements will build on this foundation to maintain technological advantage in an evolving strategic landscape.